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Sunset and the use of filters.
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Jun 28, 2018 07:24:36   #
tonyi Loc: Oxford, Pennsylvania
 
Hello, going to St. Pete’s Beach in a couple of weeks and plan on trying to capture some sunset photos. Notice I said try. Do I need a filter in order to get a nice shot, and if so, what do you recommend. Also, anyone know of a spot that would be a good photo op. Thank you, Tony.

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Jun 28, 2018 07:41:02   #
camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.
 
No filter is what I would recommend. A filter, if the light hits the front of the lens is going to cause flare. I do sunsets using spot metering but center weighted works equally well. Matrix tends to be fooled by the bright light although others will tell you to use matrix.
Meter in the manual mode from the sky NOT including the sun. Follow the meter recommendation as a start. I usually take a couple of shots underexposing slightly. I like to work with a moderate wide angle and a tele.
I do not visit St. Pete often so I cannot tell you where to go but I am sure others living near or in that area will help.
Good luck.

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Jun 28, 2018 07:55:57   #
tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio
 
The only filter I feel may be of benefit would be a grad ND. That will allow the brighter sky to be toned down to allow the darker areas catch up.

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Jun 28, 2018 07:57:36   #
Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.
 
tonyi wrote:
Hello, going to St. Pete’s Beach in a couple of weeks and plan on trying to capture some sunset photos. Notice I said try. Do I need a filter in order to get a nice shot, and if so, what do you recommend. Also, anyone know of a spot that would be a good photo op. Thank you, Tony.


A filter is not needed. I take a lot of sunset photos and never use one.

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Jun 28, 2018 08:04:41   #
selena18
 
If you want to fill the frame with the sun then you will need a filter otherwise it is not mandatory using filter when photographing a sunset.

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Jun 28, 2018 08:06:09   #
grandpaw
 
I haven't tried it myself but I have read that if you shoot on "Cloudy" white balance for sunrises or sunsets it will give you more color. Something you might try. Grandpaw

I might add that I have several filters and never use any of them.

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Jun 28, 2018 08:37:47   #
nikonmikey
 
I would also recommend no filters.
Keep your underexposing to a minimum(it creates noise)(adjust in post)find an elevated spot & hope for some clouds.
These were taken last year at Pass A Grille







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Jun 28, 2018 08:57:34   #
tonyi Loc: Oxford, Pennsylvania
 
Wow, thanks for all the great advice. I’ll post some when I get back.

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Jun 28, 2018 08:57:59   #
SonyA580 Loc: FL in the winter & MN in the summer
 
tonyi wrote:
Hello, going to St. Pete’s Beach in a couple of weeks and plan on trying to capture some sunset photos. Notice I said try. Do I need a filter in order to get a nice shot, and if so, what do you recommend. Also, anyone know of a spot that would be a good photo op. Thank you, Tony.


Since St. Petersburg is on the East coast, you may be able to get some nice SUNRISE pictures as well.

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Jun 28, 2018 10:15:06   #
Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.
 
SonyA580 wrote:
Since St. Petersburg is on the East coast, you may be able to get some nice SUNRISE pictures as well.


St. Pete is on the west coast of Florida.

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Jun 28, 2018 11:59:47   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
tonyi wrote:
Hello, going to St. Pete’s Beach in a couple of weeks and plan on trying to capture some sunset photos. Notice I said try. Do I need a filter in order to get a nice shot, and if so, what do you recommend. Also, anyone know of a spot that would be a good photo op. Thank you, Tony.


Using a graduated ND filter can help if it is early before sunset, but the sky is beginning to darken. The problem with using a GND is that it darkens everything, and usually the sun is still too bright. I usually just meter the sun with the camera's spot meter, add three stops exposure, and deal with the rest of the tonal values in post processing. Shooting raw helps maintain quality as you "lift" the shadows.

I don't typically use filters or HDR.

just as the sun was coming up
just as the sun was coming up...
(Download)


(Download)

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Jun 28, 2018 12:31:30   #
SonyA580 Loc: FL in the winter & MN in the summer
 
Mac wrote:
St. Pete is on the west coast of Florida.


Sorry, I thought he was referring to St Petersburg.

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Jun 28, 2018 13:01:58   #
Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.
 
SonyA580 wrote:
Sorry, I thought he was referring to St Petersburg.


St. Petersburg, Fl. and St. Pete Beach, Fl. are both on the Gulf (west) Coast of Florida. Look at a map.

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Jun 29, 2018 07:11:48   #
Largobob
 
SonyA580 wrote:
Since St. Petersburg is on the East coast, you may be able to get some nice SUNRISE pictures as well.


Actually SonyA580, St. Petersburg is on the WEST coast of Florida. But because Pinellas County is a peninsula, and because the Gulf beaches are narrow barrier islands, it is very possible to take both sunrise and sunset pics from the same spot by just turning around 180 degrees....of course at much different times of the day. lol

When you get to St. Pete Beach, scout out the area particularly looking for interesting foreground features....sand dunes, sea oats, palms, sailboats/marina, etc. Use the foreground features to later frame your sunrise/sunset shots. As was mentioned earlier, Pass-a-Grill, Fort DeSoto Park, Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Sand Key and Clearwater Beach....each can provide great platforms for amazing images. And if you want to shoot in the daytime....drive up to Tarpon Springs, an older authentic Greek sponge-diving community....with shrimp boats, sponge boats, colorful buildings and some of the very best Greek foods you will find anywhere in America. Just park down at the sponge docks and walk. Or, hop over to Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa.

Assuming our weather holds out....you should not be disappointed in our vistas.

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Jun 29, 2018 07:16:25   #
Tommy II Loc: Northern Illinois
 
SonyA580 wrote:
Since St. Petersburg is on the East coast, you may be able to get some nice SUNRISE pictures as well.


Did they move St Pete’s, it used to be on the West Coast?

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